2. analog
  3. 163206-130064

Static electricity

Hey now  folks,

I finally made the  jump  back into  vinyl late last year. I am a midi  hifi guy but made sure I was on the  higher end getting back into analog, so I went with a Pro-Ject Classic SB in walnut with the Sumiko Bluepoint  No.2 MC cartridge.

I also upgraded my integrated amp to a Rouge Sphinx V3 and purchased the Record Doctor V. Just about out of the  break in period and very  happy over all...except when it comes to static electricity. It is especially bad coming off the platter. The Pro-Ject came with a  felt mat and the static was not that  bad. I read that cork would be even better so I got the Pro-Ject one.

I also have a Zerostat Milty 3, which I am using religiously at the 12/4/8 o'clock positions.

I do have  force air for heat and live in New England, so I know that the dry air is not helping. With the cork mat there is so much static electricity now, that the cork mat will stick to the record when I  try to flip it over, which is very annoying. I do have, and prefer, a  dust cover too.

I mean honestly I have peeled plenty of onions in my day but now this?!?

Am I doing something wrong here? Should I  go back to the  felt mat?

Pleading for wisdom from the turntable peanut gallery.

Staticky in Connecticut 
idigmusic64
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Dust cover means static a rubber mat is less static mat.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,496 posts
 
MC is right about the laundry spray.  Still using a can from the 90's.
Necessary with MDR-V6 cans or you ears get zapped.
All my ZeroStat is used for is burr ground coffee.
idigmusic64 OP
56 posts
 
Folks,

Thanks for your input and insights. I will try out some of your suggestions and report back.
idigmusic64 OP
56 posts
 
@mijostyon I invested in the MHF anti-static sleeves too. I doprefer to keep the dust cover on due to the force air for heat as dust is always an issue in my house.
lewm
12,449 posts
 
Mijo, You wrote, "According to myself and Mark Dohmann it actually improves the sound by attenuating sound before it gets to the tonearm."
How would any practical dust cover attenuate airborne vibrations between the LP and the tonearm.  (I presume when you say "attenuating the sound" you are referring to the music that can be heard faintly where the stylus meets the groove.  Or if not, what?)  My friend's Dohmann Helix was never dust-covered during use.  I can't imagine any dust cover that would not potentially enhance the possible feedback effect of (musical) vibrations generated at the stylus tip.  In previous discussions, you have already discounted this factor, as I am well aware.  I am just wondering what Dohmann has in mind.

To the OP.  I would ask whether your listening room is carpeted.  If so, is it wool carpet or other natural fiber?  Many times "we" are the culprits with static charge.  Just walking up to the TT to play or turn over the LP may induce a static charge on our bodies which is present on the fingertips.  Once we make physical contact, that charge will then be transferred to the LP. It's not a bad idea to discharge your body by touching something irrelevant that is grounded, before addressing the LP.  Also, there is a kind of art to using the Zero; it's not just a matter of zapping the LP.  The maximum effect depends upon using a certain technique.  You might Google it.

More to discover